The Geneva Internet Platform (operated by DiploFoundation) and ICANN are hosting an open discussion on the development and implementation of recommendations to enhance ICANN's accountability to the global Internet community. The lunchtime briefing, 'Next steps in enhancing ICANN accountability', will discuss the next steps in the implementation of the transition recommendations, particularly those about enhancing ICANN's accountability.
ICANN is a global multistakeholder organisation that manages Internet resources for the public benefit. In particular, ICANN coordinates the top-level of the Internet's system of unique identifiers – the Domain Name System – via global, multistakeholder, bottom-up consensus policy processes. Recommendations to enhance ICANN accountability were developed by the ICANN community, including civil society and academic actors, as part of the initiative to transition the stewardship of the core IANA functions, which are administered by ICANN, from the US Government to the global multistakeholder Internet community.
The implementation phase is an important opportunity for experts, in particular academia and civil society, to bring their knowledge and experience to the process. For example, the accountability proposals will include bringing a commitment to human rights into ICANN's bylaws, work on transparency mechanisms (inspection rights, document disclosure, Board decisions), enhancing diversity in ICANN, further enhancements to accountability of ICANN staff, Board, supporting organisations and advisory committees, and more. These and other issues will help shape an enhanced version of ICANN that is even more accountable and responsive to the global Internet community.
The discussion will take place on Wednesday, 4th May, at 13:15-15:00 CEST (11:15-13:00 UTC) at the GIP premises, 7 bis Avenue de la Paix (WMO building, 2nd floor), Geneva. It will be moderated by Dr Jovan Kurbalija, Director of DiploFoundation, and Head of the Geneva Internet Platform. Light lunch refreshments will be served.
Note: This event does not support remote participation; the organisers are unable to offer financial assistance to attend the event.
Background reading:
- ICANN: Enhancing ICANN’s accountability
- GIP Digital Watch observatory: IANA Transition and ICANN Accountability
